The Phoenix Mercury head to Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night to face the Los Angeles Sparks in a 10:00 PM EDT Western Conference showdown, airing on NBA TV, AZFamily, and SportsNet LA. Tickets start as low as $12, offering Los Angeles fans a chance to catch this crucial matchup. The Mercury, with a 22-14 record, are 4.5-point road favorites with an over/under of 173 points, coming off an 81-72 win over Golden State. The Sparks, at 17-18, are clinging to playoff hopes after an 81-80 thriller over Dallas, led by Kelsey Plum’s game-winner. With Phoenix leading the season series 2-1, this game’s a must-watch.
Position-by-Position Breakdown
Point Guard – Natasha Cloud runs Phoenix’s offense with 6.2 assists and 11.2 points, a defensive pest who sets the tone. Kelsey Plum leads the Sparks with 20.4 points and 5.9 assists, a scoring dynamo who dropped 20 points in their last win.
Shooting Guard – Kahleah Copper is Phoenix’s top scorer, averaging 21.1 points and coming off a 25-point outburst against the Valkyries. Odyssey Sims provides the Sparks with 9.8 points and 3.5 assists, a sparkplug off the bench or starting.
Small Forward – Satou Sabally gives the Mercury versatility with 17.1 points and 6.6 rebounds, a two-time All-Star ready to shine. Rickea Jackson counters for Los Angeles with 14.7 points, fresh off a 25-point, six-three-pointer performance.
Power Forward – Alyssa Thomas anchors Phoenix with 13.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 8.7 assists, a triple-double threat. Dearica Hamby powers the Sparks with 17.9 points and 7.8 rebounds, a double-double machine who’s been consistent.
Center – Brittney Griner dominates for Phoenix with 17.8 points and 6.8 rebounds, a matchup nightmare in the paint. Azurá Stevens holds it down for L.A. with 14.1 points and 7.9 rebounds, coming off a 21-point, three-block game.
Game Outlook
The Mercury are in playoff form, ranking sixth in offense (82.9 PPG) and fourth in defense (80.0 PPG allowed), with a 10-8 road record. They’ve won two of three against the Sparks this season, including an 85-80 victory on June 1, led by Copper’s 22 points. The Sparks, at 17-18, rank second in offense (86.4 PPG) but last in defense (88.5 PPG allowed), leaning on Plum and Hamby to keep pace. Both teams play fast, with L.A. second and Phoenix sixth in pace, setting up a high-scoring affair. Phoenix’s defensive edge and series dominance give them the upper hand, but the Sparks’ home crowd and offensive firepower could keep it close.
Best Bets
- Phoenix Mercury -4.5 – Phoenix’s defensive strength and 2-1 series lead make them a solid pick to cover on the road against a defensively challenged Sparks team.
- Over 173 Total Points – Both teams’ fast pace and top-six offenses suggest this game could clear the total, as seen in their 165-point June meeting.
- Kahleah Copper Over 20.5 Points – Copper’s averaging 21.1 points and cleared this mark in 15 of her last 20 games, including 22 against the Sparks in June.
Final Score Prediction
Phoenix Mercury 89 – Los Angeles Sparks 83
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